Menopause and Heart Health
 

Menopause is a phase every women goes through when they age. It usually happens between 45 to 55, though it may vary. Menopause happens when your ovaries stop producing as much of the hormone oestrogen and not releasing an egg each month. This fall in oestrogen is responsible for most of the symptoms of menopause.

As oestrogen has a protective effect on the heart, keeping your blood vessels healthy and helping to reduce the risk of fat build-up in your arteries, your risk of developing coronary heart disease rises when you have gone through menopause.

Ways to Manage Heart Health During Menopause

1. Go for regular heart health screenings to monitor your blood pressure, blood sugar, body mass index and cholesterol level. This way, you will be able to catch any warning signs early and stay on top of your health.
2. Eat healthily and reduce your sodium intake.
3. Watch your cholesterol by opting for foods low in saturated fats such as lean meat, fruits and vegetables.
4. Maintain a healthy weight by exercising regularly. Excess weight increases your risk of coronary heart disease.
5. Stop smoking. Smoking is a major risk factor for heart diseases. The chemicals you inhale when you smoke cause damage to your heart and blood vessels that makes you more likely to develop atherosclerosis, or plaque buildup in the arteries.